Oregon to ban Out of State Medical Marijuana Patients

Posted by Sagar Satapathy on August 31, 2015.

The distinct feature of Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) has so far allowed non-Oregon residents to get treated in the state. It also allows people from outside the states to grow pot here. However, these facilities will be ceased to exist soon. From January 1, 2016, the Oregon Health Authority will stop issuing cards to patients without Oregon addresses, which means door will be closed for the out of State Medical Marijuana patients.

There are many states that recognize out of state medical marijuana cards, but Oregon allows people to become a patient in the state. However, the new law, which was passed this year by the Legislature, would put an end to this practice. In addition, from July 1, 2016, new medical marijuana growers will have to prove that they have lived in Oregon for two years.

The latest Oregon Health Authority Data reveals that about 71,000 people have been registered as patients. And, out of them, 1,900 have addresses outside Oregon. Most of the out of the state medical marijuana patients come from California, Idaho and Washington.

It can be noted that Oregon now allows recreational marijuana and the sale would begin from October 1, 2015. The early sales will involve only flower, plants and seeds. So, there is still little joy for the out of the state travelers, as they can avail recreational marijuana. However, they won't be able to use medical marijuana from 2016.